Jan. 13, 2014

Hugh Grennan performs as one of the 16 finalists for Morristown's Got Talent's seventh annual contest. He was chosen from among more than 70 acts who auditioned earlier this month competing for the $1,000 top prize at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. / Bob Karp/Staff photo

Written by

Michael Izzo

@MIzzoDR

Morristown’s Got Talent

When: Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street in Morristown Tickets: On sale Jan. 27 at the Mayo Center. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 973-539-8008 or online at www.mayoarts.org.

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MORRIS TWP. — The following is the latest in a series of profiles of the finalists in the Morristown’s Got Talent competition to be held on Feb. 26.

He may not be the first kid inspired by Billy Joel, but Hugh Grennan will be the first to perform a medley of Joel’s biggest hits during the Morristown’s Got Talent competition.

“When I first heard my [Frelinghuysen Middle School] music teacher play ‘Root Beer Rag’ I really liked it and decided to learn it,” said Grennan, 14, of Morris Twp. “I got into Billy Joel that way and chose ‘She’s Got A Way’ so I could make a fun and entertaining medley that starts slow then gets lively.”

Playing two popular tunes from the iconic Long Island musician’s deep catalog is certainly one way to win the crowd over, something Grennan knows to take into account.

This is Grennan’s second time participating in Morristown’s Got Talent. The first was three years ago, when he was a finalists as part of a group of Irish dancers from the Peter Smith School of Irish Dance.

“I had so much fun I decided to do something on my own this year,” said Grennan, who has practiced piano for nine years and has been singing for seven. “I know how much work it takes to win so I plan to practice whenever I can to be perfect.”

If he wins the $1,000 grand prize, Grennan said it would go toward his college fund.

In his free time, Grennan enjoys the listening to the band Imagine Dragons, watching the sitcom “Modern Family,” or enjoying his favorite food, tacos.

Following Morristown’s Got Talent, Grennan plans to turn his attention to his school play, which opens in March.